Do what thy manhood bids thee do, from none but self expect applause; He noblest lives and noblest dies who makes and
keeps his self-made laws.

- Richard Francis Burton

Independence Day for Whom?

The celebration of the Nation's birthday sometimes gets people confused. This day is much
more than another holiday from work. It is a recognition of who we are as a People. What it is not is a saint's day for a
Government. When the Nation and the Government are spoken in the same breath, most believe they are interchangeable. How mistaken
and easily mislead, the public can become.

Yes, a revolution was fought to establish a Free Republic, but that
was well over two centuries ago. Articles of Confederation were formed to establish a working relationship among sovereign
States. Later a Constitution was ratified that placed specific, distinct and enumerated limitations on the authority to rule
of a central government. Functions not named, were left to the individual States. And finally, Bill of Rights Amendments were
added and approved that codified guarantees for the protection of the citizen from abuses of that newly created central government.

Up to this point, who would not want to attend the party? Well, the theory is fine; but the acting out of the
play, has caused the show to be canceled. Why was the American Revolution fought? The reason was not originally accepted by
the public that a new country was the purpose for the conflict. Many sought to negotiate a settlement with the Crown and remain
loyal Englishmen. Only a small band raised the banner for self determination. Tories and neutrals were in the majority. Uncertainty
prevailed with the gallows the reward for failure. The motivation to dare all was for an idea, not a lust for power. Most
of the rebellious vanguard were established leaders and held authority within their circles. But they risked their sacred
honor, more precious than their lives for the sake of LIBERTY.

Out of this caldron of fire, the world witnessed
the first attempt to create a society that could be governed by principles of constitutional law, as opposed to EQUITY at
the discretion of the magistrate. That was the 'shot heard round the world'. Those first slugs at Concord Bridge were the
aftermath. This is the singular significance of the American Revolution. It was born out of the eruption and the explosion
that caused the demise of the old order.

So what went wrong? For those who doubt that it has gone amiss, go off
to your picnic or watch the tube. But for those who know in their heart that the tyrant that was King George III, was a mild
despot, compared to the federal apparatus in foggy bottom; let us celebrate another anniversary. Our festivity will not recognize
the central government as its legitimate steward, nor will we invite agents within their employ. Honored guests will be restricted
to those who understand the nature of the American Experience and are willing to pledge their allegiance to that cause. Their
Nation will profess the principles of universal sovereignty of the individual and will require strict limitations and comprehensive
accountability upon those who administrate the public trust. Our gathering will bear the resemblance of our Founding Fathers
home, for we are their posterity.

So when your neighbor invites you over to have a cup of English Gray, remember
your ability to smell its aroma and sip its flavor, is built upon the debris of tea casks from that Boston Harbor soiree.
America is unequaled because its king is the individual citizen. The sheriff serves the former serf, who is now a freeman.
And the crown is worn on the head of every man.

This ideal deserves a true celebration, even if the reality has
fallen so short. Our task is to restore the goal, and institute the means to make it genuine. If our Nation was created by
men of honor, it can be reinstated with brothers and sisters of similar courage and integrity. Are you one of this new breed
that seeks LIBERTY? Or are you content on bowing to a dictator of a depraved empire? We all must choose! Who's birthday will
you celebrate . . . Your own as a 'son of liberty', or a master who you continue to pay homage.

SARTRE - July
1, 2001

Independence I have long considered as the grand blessing of life, the basis of every virtue; and independence I will ever
secure by contracting my wants, though I were to live on a barren heath.